Software-defined data center (SDDC) is the phrase used to refer to a data center where all infrastructure is virtualized and delivered as a service. Control of the data center is automated by software – meaning hardware configuration is maintained through intelligent software systems. This is in contrast to traditional data centers where the infrastructure is typically defined by hardware and devices.
The software-defined data center is considered by many to be the next step in the evolution of virtualization and cloud computing as it provides a solution to support both legacy enterprise applications and new cloud services.
According to Torsten Volk, EMA, there are three core components of the software-defined data center: network virtualization, server virtualization and storage virtualization. A business logic layer is also required to translate application requirements, SLAs, policies and cost considerations. (Source: EMA Blogs; The Software-Defined Datacenter: Core Components)
SDDC is a relatively new computing phrase, but a number of vendors have announced software-defined datacenter products, including the VMware vCloud Suite.
The phrase software-defined data center (SDDC) was coined by VMware’s CTO, Dr. Steve Herrod.